Palm sized medical examination device

• US 6,381,484 B1
• Filed: 07/12/1999
• Issued: 04/30/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/12/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Steve T. Ayanruoh
• Original Assignee: Steve T. Ayanruoh
• Inventors: Ayanruoh, Steve T
• Primary Examiner(s): Casler, Brian L.
• Application Number:
  US09/351,451
• Time in Patent Office: 1,023 Days
• Field of Search: 600/381, 600/407, 600/446, 600/478, 600/109, 600/160, 600/476, 600/300, 600/301, 128/920, 128/897, 128/898, 705/3
• US Class Current: 600/407
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/04 combined with photographic or television appliances
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/24 for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors tongue depressors per se A61B13/00; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth combined with saliva removers A61C17/00; mouth openers for animals A61D15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/227 Sensors with electrical connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/14 Arrangements specially adapted for eye photography apparatus or arrangements for taking photographs per se G03B
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/00 Measuring for diagnostic purposes radiation diagnosis A61B6/00; diagnosis by ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves A61B8/00; Identification of persons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/333 Recording apparatus specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/742 using visual displays A61B5/339 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7435 Displaying user selection data, e.g. icons in a graphical user interface

Abstract

A hand held medical examination device for performing a physical examination on a patient. The hand held medical examination device includes a hand held computer including a microprocessor, a touch screen for inputting data to the microprocessor, a display screen and a connection port. A cable wire is connected to the microprocessor through the connection port and includes a universal adapter for connection to any one of a plurality of medical devices used to perform a physical examination. A camera extends through the cable wire for capturing an image viewed through the medical device connected to the universal adapter and provides data related to the captured image to the microprocessor for processing and display on the display screen. A memory unit is connected to the microprocessor for storing data input from the keyboard and camera related to a plurality of patients. The touch screen displays prompts for inputting data to the microprocessor in accordance with a software program stored in memory. The hand held medical examination device may also be provided along with a peripheral device port for connecting the microprocessor to a peripheral device. The plurality of medical devices which may be connected to the universal adapter include an ear piece, a pair of eye glasses, a tongue depressor and electrocardiogram probes.

Claims

1. A hand held medical examinationn device comprising:

a) a hand held computer during use including a microprocessor, a touch screen for inputting data to the microprocessor and displaying data, a display screen and only one connection port, said touch screen and said display screen being located side by side on a face of said hand held computer;

b) only one cable wire connected to said microprocessor through said connection port including a universal adapter adapted to connect to any one of a plurality of medical devices used to perform a physical examination;

c) a camera extending through said cable wire for capturing an image viewed through the medical device connected to said universal adapter and providing data related to said captured image to said microprocessor for processing and display on said display screen;

d) said display screen displaying an image viewed by said camera; and

e) a stylus for use in inputting data on said touch screen, said computer having stored within a software program to prompt a medical technician through said touch screen to enter data.

2. The hand held medical examination device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a memory unit connected to said microprocessor for storing data input from said touch screen and cameral related to a plurality of patients.

3. The hand held medical examination device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a peripheral device port for connecting said microprocessor to a peripheral device.

4. The hand held medical examination device as recited in claim 3, wherein said peripheral device is a printer for generating a printout of data related to a medical history of a patient being examined.

5. The hand held medical examination device as recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of medical devices include an ear piece, a pair of eye glasses, a tongue depressor and electrocardiogram probes.

6. The hand held medical examination device as recited in claim 5, wherein said ear piece directs said camera at an inner side of an ear of a patient, thereby allowing an image of the inner eat of the patient to be captured thereby.

7. The hand held medical examination device as recited in claim 6, wherein said ear piece includes a pump for insufflating an ear drum of the patient and thereby allowing detection of a motion of the ear drum.

8. The hand held medical examination device as recited in claim 5, wherein said pair of eye glasses direct said camera at an eye of a patient, thereby allowing an image of the eye of the patient to be captured thereby.

9. The hand held medical examination device as recited in claim 5, wherein said tongue depressor directs said camera within the mouth of a patient, thereby allowing an image of the mouth and throat of the patient to be captured thereby.

10. The hand held medical examination device as recited in claim 5, wherein each of said ear piece, pair of eye glasses, tongue depressor and electrocardiogram probes include an adapter for connection with said universal adapter.

11. The hand held medical examination device as recited in claim 10, wherein said data related to the electrocardiogram examination of the patient transmitted to said microprocessor is displayed on said display screen.

12. The method of conducting a physical examination comprising the steps of:

a) deploying a hand held computer, said computer comprising a microprocessor, a touch screen for inputting data to the microprocessor and displaying data, a display screen next to said touch screen, only one connection port, only one cable wire connected to said microprocessor through said connection port including a universal adapter for use with any one of a plurality of medical devices used to perform a physical examination, a camera extending through said cable wire for capturing an image viewed a medical device connected to said universal adapter, said camera capturing an image for display on said display screen;

b) using a stylus to input data on said touch screen; and

c) said touch screen prompting a medical technician to enter said data according to a check list displayed on said touch screen.